Dental models are an important part of many restorative, orthodontic, oral surgery, and other cases, and properly fabricating these models is important if the case is to be a success. These models must be accurate depictions of the patient’s dentition, so a restoration can be designed, adjusted, and finished prior to being placed on the patient. A variety of materials can be used to pour the models from a physical impression, as well as to trim the model and prepare the dies for use designing the case and fabricating the restoration.
What Types of Model Materials are Available for My Practice or Lab?
The main materials used for the fabrication of dental models are different types of
plasters and
gypsums which are often stored as a powder, mixed into a liquid that can be poured into an impression and then hardened into a solid, workable model. A range of other materials can help make the model fabrication process more efficient. These include
surfactant sprays for preparing impressions for the model material,
stone hardeners which help make models last while being worked on,
utility resins that can be used for adjusting models, and
cleansing agents that can be used to clean models. Dental practices and labs can also use special
die materials and
die lubricants to make it easier to produce and work with removable dies.
What Should I Consider When Selecting Dental Model Materials
Dental model materials are available in a range of colors, surface finishes, as well as different levels of hardness, and setting times, so be sure to find the right systems for the types of cases you’ll work on. Be sure to pay attention to the materials’ expansion properties so you can pour accurate models to produce accurate restorations. It’s also important to have all of the additional materials you’ll need for model fabrication on hand and at the ready.
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